The Elements of Jurisprudence

Roscoe Pound's Yale lectures on the questions every legal system must answer: what law is for, how judges apply it, and how it handles property, contract and liability. A clear entry point to jurisprudence from one of its most influential teachers.

Roscoe Pound

A classic textbook that defines the core concepts of legal theory: the nature and sources of law, rights and duties, persons, possession and liability. Written for students, with a closing guide to the literature of jurisprudence.

John W. Salmond

A compact Princeton study outline of the main theories of law, from Austin's command theory and Hart's positivism to Dworkin and natural law. Useful as a map of the field and a quick review before exams.

Tommaso Pavone

A short overview of Western philosophy of law, from Hegel and Kelsen to the place of international law. McBride argues for looking beyond the American and British systems that dominate most textbooks.

William L. McBride